The damsel goeth her way thereupon. And Messire Gawain goeth to the
castle that he had seen, and found none within save only one solitary
knight, old and feeble, and a squire that waited upon him. Howbeit,
Messire Gawain alighteth at the castle. The Vavasour lodged him well
and willingly, and made his door be well shut fast and Messire Gawain
be disarmed, and that night he showed him honour as well as he might.
And when it came to the morrow and Messire Gawain was minded to depart
thence, the Vavasour saith to him, "Sir you may not depart thus, for
this door hath not been opened this long while save only yesterday,
when I made it be opened before you, to the intent that you should meet
on my behalf a certain knight that is fain to slay me, for that the
King of Castle Mortal hath had his hold herewithin, he that warreth on
the Queen of the Maidens. Wherefore I pray you that you help me to
defend it against the knight."
"What shield beareth he?" saith Messire Gawain.
"He beareth a golden shield with a green cross."
"And what sort of knight is he?" saith Messire Gawain.
"Sir," saith the Vavasour, "A good knight and a hardy and a sure."
"By my faith," saith Messire Gawain, "And you can tell me tidings of
another knight whereof I am in quest, I will protect you against this
one to the best I may, and if he will do nought for my prayer, I will
safeguard you of my force."
"What knight, then, do you seek?" saith the Vavasour.
"Sir, a knight that is called Perceval, and he hath carried away from
the court of King Arthur a shield banded argent and azure with a red
cross on a band of gold. He will be at the assembly in the Red Launde.
These tidings had I of the knight you dread so much."